Reds Have Roughly $6MM To Spend?

Reds beat writer John Fay takes his guess at the team’s 2008 payroll: around $75MM.  By his estimate, their current players will tie up $69MM of that.  That would leave just $6MM to spend on free agents this winter, unless someone is traded to clear payroll.

The Reds’ need is pitching, both of the starting and relieving variety.  Carlos Silva would be a nice addition to the rotation.  If Wayne Krivsky is creative with the contract he could probably sign him for 4/40 and still stay around $75MM for ’08.

Joe Christensen recently reported on the teams interested in Silva, but the Reds weren’t one of them.  He listed the Mets, Phillies, Royals, and Tigers.  My money is on the Mets or Phillies.